Hickson firefighters deliver another season of generosity to TAP

Hickson firefighter Kevin Kaufmann helps TAP program director Angie Brenner load donations collected from local residents. Food, toys and gift cards gathered by Hickson Fire and Rescue will now be distributed to families in need across Hickson, Tavistock and Shakespeare. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Each December, not long after Santa and Mrs. Claus make their visit to Hickson, the village’s firefighters turn their attention to another important tradition: gathering donations for the Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP).

This year was no exception as Hickson Fire and Rescue once again filled their trucks with food, toys and gift cards generously contributed by local residents and farm families.

TAP program director Angie Brenner was invited to the firehall this week to load up the donations, which will be distributed to individuals and families in need across Hickson, Tavistock and Shakespeare.

Longtime firefighter Kevin Kaufmann said the department first began collecting for TAP in 2020 and has been overwhelmed each year by the level of community support. He thanked everyone who contributed, noting the smallest acts of giving often make the biggest difference for families facing a difficult holiday season.

Brenner shared her gratitude on behalf of TAP and the people the program serves.

“TAP would like to offer our sincere thank you to the communities of Hickson, Shakespeare and Tavistock for the kindness and consideration shown once again to our area friends and neighbours,” she said. “Emergency services, sports teams, businesses, service clubs, churches and community members have come together this Christmas season to provide food, gifts and comforts to those in need.

“I have had the honour of delivering gifts and food over the last number of weeks, and each and every person I visited expressed their sincere thanks for the generosity of those who had a little extra to share again this year.”

Her message speaks to the spirit of the season and to the continued commitment from Hickson firefighters, who help ensure those in need are not forgotten.